Lille vs Lyon Preview: Team News & Prediction

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These are two sides that are looking to push back into the top three or four and the UEFA Champions League spots this season as Lille face Olympique Lyonnais this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports Connect
Lille preview: Impressive Lille
Lille come into this one on the back of a 2-1 victory over Norwegian Eliteserien outfit Brann in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in midweek, courtesy of goals from Hamza Igamane and Olivier Giroud.
The northerners, still under the management of former Lyon boss Bruno Genesio, have started the Ligue 1 campaign well, too, with three victories and a draw in their opening five matches domestically so far this season.
Lyon preview: Less chaotic Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais, coached by Paulo Fonseca, are being allowed to fully focus on matters on the pitch with John Textor, who caused a lot of chaos at Parc OL, having now taken a step back as they seek a return to the top three.
The top three is where they currently sit ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures, courtesy of four victories and a draw in their five matches. They most recently defeated Angers by a goal to nil in Lyon last weekend.
Lille team news: A couple of doubts
Lille are dealing with a couple of key doubts for this one as they take on Lyon as midfielder Benjamin Andre is potentially sidelined alongside left-back Romain Perraud.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ozer; Mandi, Ngoy, Mbemba, Santos; Bentaleb, Bouaddi; Fernandez-Pardo, Haraldsson, Correia; Giroud
Unavailable: Alexsandro (Injured), Toure (Injured), Meunier (Injured)
Questionable: Perraud (Injured), Andre (Injured)
Lyon team news: A few issues
As they travel to the north of France, Lyon are dealing with a few injury issues for this one as Abner is a doubt alongside former Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder Orel Mangala.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Greif; Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Merah; Karabec, Tolisso, Fofana; Martin Satriano
Unavailable: Descamps (Injured), Nuamah (Injured)
Questionable: Mangala (Injured), Abner (Injured)
Lille vs Lyon prediction
As was the case again in midweek as they defeated Utrecht by a goal to nil in the Netherlands in the UEFA Europa League, Lyon were again very controlled and quite cautious. Lille themselves have also been cautious in the past but they have exploded into entertainment this season with their five Ligue 1 games having consisted of 21 goals thus far. As a result, a high-scoring clash should be expected as Lyon get drawn out by their counterparts.
Lille vs Lyon tip: Both teams to score